Can Kissing Gourami live with Licorice Gourami?
Caution — with care
Why
- No overlapping pH: Kissing Gourami wants 6.5–7.6 but Licorice Gourami wants 4–6.
- No overlapping water hardness: Kissing Gourami wants 6–8 dGH but Licorice Gourami wants 0–4 dGH.
- Kissing Gourami and Licorice Gourami are both labyrinth fish — they claim the same surface territory and will fight, especially between males.
- Very different sizes (Kissing Gourami 12" vs Licorice Gourami 1.4") — these two need different tanks, and the smaller fish will be out-competed at feeding time.
- Kissing Gourami is semi-aggressive — give the peaceful Licorice Gourami plenty of space, cover and broken sight lines.
Side-by-side
| Kissing Gourami | Licorice Gourami | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 73–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.6 | 4–6 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6–8 dGH | 0–4 dGH |
| Adult size | 12" | 1.4" |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 75 gal | 5 gal |
Together, plan on at least 75 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Use a larger, well-decorated tank with sightline breaks, keep everyone well-fed, and add the calmer fish first.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser · A larger tank
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Design a tank with Kissing Gourami, Licorice Gourami →Everything compatible with Kissing Gourami · …with Licorice Gourami